3.2.1.2 Rapid Intervention Team YOUR ORGANIZATION STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES TITLE: Rapid Intervention Team NUMBER: 3.2.1.2 PREPARED BY: SECTION/TOPIC: Fire Suppression Risk Management ISSUE DATE: REVISED DATE: APPROVED BY: X Preparer X Approver These SOPs/SOGs are based on FEMA guidelines FA-197 1.0 POLICY REFERENCE CFR NFPA NIMS 2.0 PURPOSE This standard operating procedure/guideline addresses procedures for deploying intervention teams during incidents: availability, proper uses, activation, proper uses, standard practices, special situations. This procedure will define the response, tasks and organization of Initial Rapid Intervention Crews and Rapid Intervention Crews (IRIC / RIC)/Rescue Sector. 3.0 SCOPE This SOP/SOG pertains to all personnel in this organization. 4.0 DEFINITIONS These definitions are pertinent to this SOP/SOG.
PAGE 2 of 5 5.0 PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES & INFORMATION 5.1 Procedures for Deploying Intervention Teams during Incidents: Objective The objective of IRIC / RIC is to have a fully equipped rescue team onsite, in a ready state, to immediately react and respond to rescue firefighters. IRIC / RIC will be established anytime firefighters are on air inside a structure, or command deems it necessary. IRIC (Initial RIC) Temporary two-person RIC assigned at the outset of an incident to allow teams to enter an IDLH, or potential IDLH atmosphere. One primary IRIC member must be solely dedicated to tracking interior personnel. Their function is to account for location of interior crews and initiate a fire fighter rescue. This position requires an attack line, radio, PPE, and SCBA. The secondary IRIC member is permitted to take on other roles, such as, safety officer, or equipment operator. This position requires a radio with PPE and SCBA nearby to be donned as soon as possible. Standard Implementation IRIC Four-Person Crew IRIC can be used when a mobile Command mode is utilized by the first arriving company officer making an interior attack on a working fire with the nozzle person. The plug person assumes the primary IRIC position and the engineer assumes the secondary IRIC position. Standard Exceptions to the IRIC Requirement at Structure Fires 1. When there is a reported or suspected life hazard where immediate action could prevent the loss of life. 2. When the fire is in an incipient stage that could be controlled by a portable fire extinguisher. Dispatch Upon declaration of a working fire, the following list of resources will be dispatched for RIC: Working 3 & 1 will have one RIC Engine & one RIC Rescue Working First Alarm will have two RIC Engines one RIC Ladder, one RIC Rescue & one RIC B.C. All additional alarms, will receive an additional two engines one RIC Ladder and One RIC Rescue. 2
PAGE 3 of 5 Deployment Command has the following options for use of RIC companies: 1. To address visible hazards. 2. To identify critical factors and apply the appropriate Risk Management Profile. 3. Assign the company to RIC duties and designate Rescue Sector/Branch 4. If assigned to anything other than RIC duties, Command should request additional companies as RIC units. 5. Cancel the company en-route after the declaration of fire under control AND PAR s have been obtained from all crews. 6. Assign other duties; such as relief for working crews, overhaul duties, etc. RIC/Rescue Sector Responsibilities Monitor tactical radio channel en-route. Initiate tactical worksheet (location/position of apparatus and interior crews) Utilize standard staging procedures. Develop and Communicate an Incident Action Plan (focus is to reduce risks to personnel) Consider critical fire ground factors Consider air management (elapsed time) Consider fire fighter fatigue Consider radio communications Develop and Communicate a Search Plan Consider the point of entry for crew/member in trouble Consider the last known location of crew/member in trouble Consider fuel load, your water supply/hoseline selection (speed, mobility, and length) Assign tasks to entry crew (camera, air, tools, taglines, etc.) Monitor your air supply Provide timely reports (C.A.N.) to Command or Rescue Branch Develop and Communicate a Rescue Plan Consider relay rescue (call additional resources early) Consider alternative exit points Consider carry vs. drag techniques (obstructions, heat, visibility) Monitor your air supply Provide timely reports (C.A.N.) to Command or Rescue Branch RIC/Rescue Sector Functions Monitor tactical radio channel bag and thermal imaging camera Retrieve RIC bag and thermal imaging camera (confirm equipment is in ready state) 3
PAGE 4 of 5 Recon the hot zone (apparatus placement, points of entry, alternate doors and windows) Request additional resources Provide additional means of egress for roof operations or companies operating above the ground floor Remove security bars/devices Coordinate the opening of doors and windows Illuminate entrance and exits Position Target Exit Device Confirm utilities are secure Develop and discuss the search plan Develop and discuss the rescue plan Notify Command (C.A.N. report) RIC/Rescue Sector Ready Initial Entry Team Operations Execute the search plan Locate the fire crew/member Assess fire fighter and environment Transfill air and package fire fighter Monitor entry team air supply Provide C.A.N. report to Command or Rescue Branch Prepare to extricate fire fighter Back-up Entry Team Operations RIC for entry team Communicate rescue plan Secure additional resources (as needed) Prepare for relay rescue Provide exterior support for initial entry team Commitment to Rescue of a Lost or Trapped Fire Fighter Units should initially be deployed to locate injured or lost firefighters, and render aid and assistance to the member. The RIC Company(s) will then report their position and conditions to command for deployment of appropriate rescue resources to extricate the member if necessary. High-rise Fires For high-rise fires, RIC s will be assigned to standby positions in the Resource Sector location, stairwell, or other appropriate location(s). A secondary standby location may be in the Lobby Sector location. RIC Company must take RIC bag, Thermal Imaging camera and appropriate tools to the Resource or Lobby Sector and standby. 4
PAGE 5 of 5 5.2 Availability of R.I.T.: 5.3 Proper uses of R.I.T.: 5.4 Activation of R.I.T: 5.5 Proper Uses of R.I.T: 5.5 R.I.T. Standard Practices: 5.4 Special Situations: 5